The Golden Triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Well what a week that was. We were warned that India was an onslaught on your senses and it didn't disappoint. 

I was lucky enough to be invited on the Phil Hoffmann Travel top achievers trip for the first time along with 12 others from the office including CEO Pete Williams. With flights provided by our good friends at Malaysia Airline, we were on a specially arranged Insight Vacations trip which was to take in the golden tourism triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Right from the off we were treated to a ride on the back of the cycle taxi and were bustled and jostled through the streets of Old Delhi. Our man was certainly working hard moving our heavy butts around the busy streets. Amazing sights and sounds with all sorts of cables and potentially live wires hanging from every doorway and alley.

We were taken to a Sikh temple and saw the many volunteers preparing and helping to serve some 15,000 free meals a day to people of any class or creed, no matter as long as they needed feeding.

On other days we saw the stunning Tajmahal and the Red Fort at Agra both built by the Shah Jahan.

I think the groups favourite city was however Jaipur which entranced us by it's architecture, history and people. Everywhere you go in India people are happy. They just go about their everyday tasks and routines and just get on with it, no matter what the weather or situation facing them.  We were travelling during Monsoon season so had some humid and wet days, but the Indians don't seem to notice any of that. Nor are they concerned by the dirt and pollution all around them. They know no different anyhow.

In Jaipur we visited the Amber Fort and at night returned to the City Palace where we were treated to a magnificent show and parade of customer guards Elephants, Camels and traditional dancers. Following this stunning show we were escorted into the private quarters of the Palace normally reserved for dignitaries. The Rajastan Royal family still live here today and in the private room we dined in, were pictures of Charlie boy and Princess Diana in the very same room. Very probably during the same trip as the famous shot of Lady Di at the Tajmahal all those years ago. We were honoured to have been given the chance to experience such a rare and special treat.

Of course our trip was very much a taste of India. We stayed in a range of top 4 &5 star hotels and were treated to magnificent fine Indian dining be it breakfast lunch or dinner. The curries Dal's and Thals did not disappoint. I just wish one of these restaurants was just around the corner at home. No doubt my brothers and other friends who have had longer periods in India and have backpacked their way across this wondrous place, will have experienced a vastly different India. But for a taste of India in just one week I can highly recommend an escorted tour. Insight Vacations were fantastic at every step and their guide Manjit very knowledgeable and humorous.